Discussion · Government Orders
Maxime Blanchette-Joncas Bloc Québécois
“I agree with the previous speaker and oppose this bill. It makes permanent changes that weaken environmental laws. The Prime Minister used to work for the United Nations protecting the environment. Now he is giving himself the power to bypass those protections. I want to know what my colleague thinks about this change.”
“Mr. Speaker, I share my colleague from Saanich—Gulf Islands’ indignation. She provided an excellent summary of the bulldozer that is Bill C‑39. As she explained, Bill C‑5 allowed certain laws to be set aside for a period of five years. Bill C‑39 would make that change permanent. However, the Prime Minister is not just anyone: He is the former United Nations Special Envoy on Climate Action and Finance. What is he doing through Bill C‑39? He is permanently repealing or amending environmental legislation. Do members see the hypocrisy? It is the same individual, but he is no longer advocating the same cause. His role has changed. I would like my colleague to explain how she sees this hypocrisy. What does she think of the fact that a person who once championed environmental protection is now granting himself extraordinary powers to circumvent environmental safeguards?”
Mr. Speaker, I share my colleague from Saanich—Gulf Islands’ indignation. She provided an excellent summary of the bulldozer that is Bill C‑39. As she explained, Bill C‑5 allowed certain laws to be set aside for a period of five years. Bill C‑39 would make that change permanent. However, the Prime Minister is not just anyone: He is the former United Nations Special Envoy on Climate Action and Finance. What is he doing through Bill C‑39? He is permanently repealing or amending environmental legislation. Do members see the hypocrisy? It is the same individual, but he is no longer advocating the same cause. His role has changed. I would like my colleague to explain how she sees this hypocrisy. What does she think of the fact that a person who once championed environmental protection is now granting himself extraordinary powers to circumvent environmental safeguards?